Team effort spurring Mustangs run

Mustangs

Posted
Wednesday, April 5, 2017 10:53 am

Megan Huston

Playing its second game in four days the Madisonville baseball team came out Friday against non-district foe Navasota, a little lackadaisical. A wild pitch by Madisonville’s Zach Poe scored one run for Navasota, giving the Rattlers an early one-run lead.

The Mustangs stormed back scoring five runs in the bottom of the first. Matt Rudis singled off of Navasota pitcher, Gavin Anderson, driving in one run, Anderson walked Bryce Bennett driving in another run and Corey Shuck hit a double, driving in two runs.

“I thought we were opportunistic in the first inning at the plate, taking advantage of a struggling pitcher,” said coach Sitton.

“However, I thought we let [Navasota] off the hook, leaving a number of runners in scoring position in multiple innings. We need to find that killer instinct we had earlier in the season.”

Kasey Williamson earned the win for the Mustangs. Williamson threw five and a third innings, allowing zero runs, two hits, striking out four, and walking zero. Sitton was impressed by what the junior was able to accomplish on the mound. “Kasey commanded all his pitches in the strike zone and we played good defense behind him,” Sitton said.

Anderson took the loss for Navasota, throwing one-third of an inning, allowing five runs and four hits.

Poe started the game for the Mustangs pitching one and two-thirds innings, giving up three runs, one hit, and striking out one.

Ben Phillips, Shuck, Poe, Rudis and Williamson each managed one hit to lead Madisonville. Sam Bennett led the team in stolen bases with two.

Strong pitching continues to be Madisonville’s calling card as the Mustangs defeated Palestine earlier in the week. Rudis didn’t allow a single run as Madisonville defeated the Wildcats 3-0 on Tuesday.

Rudis pitched seven innings, allowing zero runs, one hit, striking out 14, and walking zero. Poe and Williamson each drove in one run to lead the team.

Madisonville (17-4) will play on the road in Athens, Friday. Opening pitch is set for 7 p.m.